Sydney

Practical Info about Sydney

Getting around the city

Sydney has a good network of buses, trains and ferries that make getting around the city and the surrounds easy. The bus network is the most extensive and cheapest mode of public transport, but can be slow due to traffic jams. There are also several hop-on hop-off Explorer buses for tourists that take in the major sights and surrounding beaches. The underground city centre train loop is the fastest way to get around, but many of the tourist areas, including Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach and Manly, can only be reached by further ferry or bus connections. The most pleasurable way to get around is by ferry - the main terminal is at Circular Quay. There is also a 10-minute monorail loop from the city centre to Darling Harbour and back, and a Metro Light Rail 'tram' system between Central Station and Wentworth Park in Pyrmont. In addition, metered taxis are plentiful and fairly economical. Hiring a car for short visits is not recommended due to heavy congestion (in peak hours) and limited parking in the city centre.

Time

GMT +10 (GMT +11 from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April).

Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin flat blade plugs are used but are different to those in most other countries, so an adapter is normally required.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD), which is divided into 100 cents. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are freely available throughout the country. Banks and bureaux de change exchange most foreign currencies. Banking hours are generally 9:30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9:30am to 5pm on Friday, but some banks offer extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.

Communication

The international dialling code for Australia is +61. Australian mobile phone companies operate on GSM networks, so some foreign phones may not be compatible with the local networks. Mobile phones are available for rent and internet cafes are widely available.

Climate

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The summer season (November to March) is the most popular time to visit Sydney with temperatures regularly hitting the mid-90s F° (35°C). November and March are favoured by visitors wanting sunshine without the searing heat. Winter days can also be warm, regularly in the 70-80°F range (21-27°C), but can also be damp and chilly. Winter nights are likely to be cold.

Kingsford Smith (Sydney) Airport

Getting to the city

The Airport Rail Link is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the city centre and the suburbs. Trains run every 10 minutes and the journey to the centre takes 13 minutes from where connections can be made for all suburban services. There are two railway stations at the airport: one is located directly below Terminal 1, and the other between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Public bus 400 runs between the airport and Bondi Junction. Shuttle bus companies provide direct transport to and from the airport and must be pre-booked; hotel buses are also available.

Car rental

All the main car hire companies are represented at the airport.

Airport taxi's

There are supervised taxi ranks outside the terminal; regular taxis and maxi taxis (for groups) are available from here.

Transfer between terminals

The Airport Rail Link connects the international (T1) and domestic terminals (T2 and T3), and the T-Bus provides a frequent service between T1 and T2. The Domestic terminals are walking distance apart.

Facilities

There are a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants throughout the terminals, as well as shower facilities, internet kiosks, designated smoking areas, cell phone rental and duty-free shopping. Foreign exchange and ATMs are available throughout the airport. Medical facilities and baggage storage are also available in T1. Business services in Terminals 1 and 2 offer meeting rooms, fax and internet.

Parking

Both the domestic and international terminals have easily accessible parking areas. Discounts are available for booking online in advance.